War of Words Do Us No Good

Yes! Liberians have experienced four uninterrupted campaign weeks since the process was launched early this month. Most of the political parties have visited their strongholds around the country to canvass more support.

During the launching of the campaign period, the Chairman of the National Elections Commission (NEC) Jerome Korkoya laid down principles that would be governing the campaign process which the Commission expects every candidate to follow. Paramount among the rules, Korkoya cautioned that radio talk shows should only be used to sell the images of the individual or political party and not to attack the personality of opponents. He also cautioned political party members against destroying posters and flyers of their opponents, among others.But recent revelations have shown that even though there have not been any serious open confrontations among candidates, their posters and banners have been attacked and torn even in some open places in broad day light by supporters of other candidates.Kudos must be given to radio talk show hosts on different radio stations who have been battling to maintain sanity with their guests on their platforms. This shows the high level of ethics and commitment of the media towards maintaining peace and democracy. The dust of an alleged attempt assassination of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) Standard Bearer George Manneh Weah must not be allowed to settle in our fragile democratic country. This has been allowed to play around the country in our transitional period without any organization or group coming out clearly to decry such rumor.This country and its citizens have seen and witnessed many horrific stories. Therefore no meaningful Liberian is willing to let history repeat itself.We at Capitol Times believe that political parties and aspirants should sell their political ideologies instead of being engaged into throwing hate speeches on talk shows and rallies. The National Election Commission being the autonomous body endowed by the constitution of Liberia to conduct every election in the country must not take lightly early signs of confrontational violence.Almost all political parties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding and other protocols which mandate them to carry on their political activities within the ambit of the law. Anything contrary to that promise must be frowned at by all stakeholders in this process.The message of peace must at all the times be maintained and spread across the country. The foundation of peace after elections starts even before the elections itself. Therefore no effort should be spared in keeping the keel of progress steady, and in ensuring peaceful co-existence during these crucial elections.